The Secret Life of Bees

The Secret Life of Bees is a coming-of-age tale of 14-year-old Lily Owens in rural South Carolina.  She, with friend and caregiver Rosaleen, escape to Tiburon, South Carolina in search of answers about her mother’s death at an early age.  The two find themselves in the home of the lovely August Boatwright and sisters May and June.  During a heated time of racial tensions in the 1960s South, Lily learns the true meaning of love and motherhood from the strong community of African American women.             

This movie exhibits many southern stereotypes including the abrasive white male and his attempt to preserve the purity of the white female.  Lily’s father T. Ray is repeatedly loud, abusive, and brash.  He maintains his fixed character throughout the film.  In the midst of Lily’s quest for answers, she begins to recognize her underlying feelings for Zach (an African American help on the honey bee farm).  When Lily and Zach attempt to see a movie together, they are met upstairs by 3 anonymous white men who strike Lily and arrest Zach on the scene.  The abuse of Lily here, is still consistent with the stereotype of the white male because of her new interest in an African American.  She is now considered “other” or, rather, “tarnished” because of her crush on Zach. 

As the movie a progresses, Lily finds that she is indeed loveable and that her mother did not leave her but left her father. This also lends to the idea that T. Ray was not just harsh toward Lily but to his wife as well. 

The Secret Life of Bees is a wonderful film with very highly acclaimed actresses.  I would recommend anyone to watch it and consider the many different southern elements throughout the film.  --Lauren Copeland